Angioplasty also known as Balloon angioplasty, Coronary artery angioplasty, Cardiac angioplasty, Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Heart artery dilatation, is a medical procedure used toopen narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart.The procedure involves use of a balloon like device to open these arteries.

The common indications or the reasons for performing angioplasty are:

• Persistent chest pain (angina)
• Blockage of one or more coronary arteries
• Residual obstruction in a coronary artery during or after a heart attack

The angioplasty procedure has several benefits. It greatly improves blood flow through the coronary arteries and to the heart tissue in about 90% of patients and may eliminate the need for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

The result is relief from chest pain, and improved exercise capacity. In 2 out of 3 cases, the procedure is considered successful with complete elimination of the narrowing or blockage.

Fat and cholesterol accumulate on the inside of arteries and form deposits called plaque. This disease process is called atherosclerosis. The arteries that supply blood to the heart itself (called the coronary arteries) can be narrowed or blocked by this accumulation.

If the blockage is not too severe, a balloon catheter may be used to open the heart artery as an alternative to open heart surgery. The catheter is a small, hollow, flexible tube that has a balloon near the end of it.

The procedure starts with the patient lying on a padded table. Local pain medicine is given, and the catheters are then inserted in an artery (usually near the groin). The patient is awake for the procedure, but pain medicine can be given as needed.

The heart and heart arteries are then visualized by using X-rays and dye, and blockages in the heart vessels are identified. A balloon catheter is then inserted in or near the blockage and inflated, thus widening or opening the blocked vessel and restoring adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

Occasionally, blood thinning medicines are also given to prevent formation of a blood clot. In almost all cases, a device called a stent is also placed at the site of narrowing or blockage in order to keep the artery open. A common type of stent is made of self-expanding, stainless steel mesh.

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